Check-writing machine



B. O. FANSLOW.

CHECK WRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-29, I915.

1,337,006,; Patented Apr. 13, 1920 9 SHEETSSHEET 1.

, WITNESSES V INVW/"OHI B. 0. FANSLOW.

CHECK WRITING MACHINEI APPLICATION FILED IAN-29, 1915.

Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

9 SHEETSSHEET 2.

WITNESSES B. 0 FANSLUW. CHECK WRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-29,1915. 1,337,006, Patented Apr. 13, 1920 9 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

' mam/Ton.

A ORNEYY,

B. 0. FANSLOW. CHECK WRITING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JAN-29. 1915.

nm 2. 9 1T BA mm E A as m m a P WITNESSES B. 0. FANSLOW.

CHECK WRITING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED IAN.29, I 9I5 & 2. 95 1 n E m &9

D m P T, G w W! 6 0 7 m 3 3 g. 1 m 1 W/T/VESSES B. O. FANSLOW.

CHECK WRlTlNG MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-29,1915

1,337,00a Patenied Apr. 13,1326

9 SHEETSSHEET 6.

B. 0. FANSLOW.

CHECK WRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 29, I915.

Patented Apr. 13, 1929 9 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

8J0. FANSLOW.

CHECK WRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 5AN.29, I915- Patentefi Apr. 13, 192%.

MVENTUE T f 1 qjamwigwd/ i M .477 ENE)" BENJAILETIN G. FAHSLQW, 91E QUEER S COUNTY, NEW? YORK,

ASSIGNGR T0 NEW! ERA IEFG.

COMPANY, 0h 337E957 YORK, N. "55., A GQEPORATION OF NEW "203K.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN O. FANS- Low, citizen of the United States, residing in Hollis Court Boulevard, county of Queens, Long Island, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful linprovement in Check-Writing Machines, of which the following is a description.

The invention relates to new and useful nnprovenients in check writing machines, and more particularly to a, check writing machine wherein the value of the check is printed thereon in words which may be of varying length; d

An object of the invention isto provide a check writer of the above type which is strong, durable and compact, and wherein the various parts are so controlled and operated as to insure a proper feed length of the check correspoiiding to the word being printed, with the proper space between the words and proper alinernent or the words on the check.

it further object of the invention to provide a machine of the above type l aving a feeding device for feeding the check, wherein the actuating nieinbcr for the feet ing device is moved rearwardly .to a fiXlHi predetermined point at each printing opera tion, and is mover forwardly after the printingoperation to a point determined by the length of the word-which has been printed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a check writer of the above type wherein the reciprocating member coutrolling the action of the feeding device is positively moved in both directions by the actuating member therefor.

A still further object of the invention. to provide a check Writer of the above type: wherein a stripper plate is rigidly mounted at the roar of the machine and extends across the machine to a point in advance Or the front wall thereof, said stripper plate being formed with suitable openingv through which the, printing wheel engages the check for printing the same.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a check writer of the above type wherein the feeding devices for the check operate notonly to feed the check forward but to insure the check following the gage illQIllil-"l th refor so as to rmnicrly aline the words on the check.

Specification of letters Patent.

niovcd Patented Apr. 13, 1920;

Application filed Eanuary 29, 1915. Serial l-Io. 5,608.

A still further object or the invention is to provide a check writer of the above type wherein the printing wheel, the pointer c0- operating with the index plate for indicating the position of the printing Wheel, and 6! the gaging member for determining the length or" feed stroke of the feeding device, are all positively connected together so as to maintain their relative position to each other as they are shifted from one point to another in the operation or" the machine.

A" still further object of the invention is to provide a check writer of the above type wherein the index plate at the front of the machine is readily removable and wherein the pointer is detachably connected with the shaft carrying the printing wheel and means is provided for determining the 0sition of the pointer relative to the sh'ait so that when'removed. it may be replaced in the proper predetermined position relative to the printing wheel fixed to the shaft.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a check writer of the above type wherein the pointer when removed from tho shaft is held loosely by the index plate.

Another object of the invention to provide a check writer having ribs formed on the printing wheel characters and also on the die. said ribs being staggered relative to each other. and the ribs on the die being deeper than the ribs on the printing wheel whereby the wear incident ,to the mutilating of the paper is placed to a large degree on the die.

A still turthcr object of the invention is to provide a check writer having a die plate cooperating with the printing Wheel wherein said die plate is mounted on a cushion. of yielding material so as to deaden the noise and reduce to a l nirnuin the wear incident to the irin'ting of the cheek.

'ihcse and other objects will in part be ob vious and will in part be hereinafter more fully disclosed.

In the drawings which show by way of illustration one embodiment of the invention r Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine 7 embodying myinvention; 105

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the machine with index or face-plate and pointer reelevation oi the machine renroverl;

Fig. at is a vertical section substantially] on the line 44 of Fig. 1, the arrows indi eating the direction of view;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, the arrows indicating the direction of View;

Fig. 6 is a rear elevation of the feed-rack and operating mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of, said mechanism with certain of the parts separated in order to clearly disclose their structure;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a detailshown in Figs. (Sand 7; v

Fig. 9 is a vertical section 01 Qtheline 99 of Fig. 4, the arrows indicating the direction of view; I

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional detail of the printing-wheel and cooperating die plate;

Fig. 1Q is a top plan view of the base of the machine showing the check guiding mechanismand stripper in position;

Fig. 11 is a detail showing the cooperation of the feed rolls;

Fig. 12 is a front elevation of the cross head plunger and parts carried thereby;

Fig. 13 is a detail showing the means by which the pressure of the inking rolls may be regulated;

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the frame of the machine;

'Fig. 15 is an elevation of the feed actuatin mechanism;

- ig. 16 is a view of the supporting shaft forthe feed actuating mechanism, parts hei-ng in section, and separated so as to show for the reception of a shaft 8, to which shaft details of construction;

Fig. 17 is a side elevation of one of the ratchet plates;

Fig. 18 is a side elevation of one of the. pawl plates; and

. Fig. 19 is a sectional edge view of the inner and outer back-plates.

.In the said drawings, 1 is the base upon which is mounted a frame 2, said frame being secured to said base by means of screws 3, Fig. 9, passing through apertures 3, Fig. 10, and held against lateral displacement thereon by pins 4 secured to said frame and entering the said base 1. The said frame 2 is provided with guide-ways 5 for the re ception of a cross-head, Fig. 12. The crosshead (5 is provided with a journal bearing 7 5 at its forward end, is secured a printing- 'wheel, 9, said wheel having equally spaced about its periphery raised portions in the form of words 10, said raised portions being suitably formed to enable the same to cut,

of the face-plate 30, is fixed to its shaft 8,

and has the raised characters 10 extending parallel with its axis of rotation. The periphe 'al wheel-characters correspond to the characters on the face-plate; and the printing-wheel is mounted so as to be easily turned in either direction.

A rod or plunger 11 has a teat 12 at its lower end fitting into a hole 13 in the crosshead 6, and a pinion 1.4, is secured to said rod adjacent said shoulder-Fig. 12. A

strap 15, secured to said cross-head by means toits upper end a handle 19 by means of a,

screw thread 20 on theend of said rod 11 and a tapped hole in said handle, there being interposed between a shouldered portion 21, in ail-upwardly projecting bearing 22 on said frame 2, and a shouldered portion 23 in said handle 19, a spring 24 which tends at all times to force said handle and consequently said rod 11 and cross-hen d (S in an upwardly direction relatively to the frame 2 of the machine. Washer 25 is interposed between said shouldered portion 23 and the end of spring 241, said washer acting as a locking means between said handle and said'rod and also as a bearing for the end of the spring, said handle being oi relatively soft material. Viewing l igs. 5 and 1), a gear 26 is fixed to shaft 8, as by slabbing off said shaft and providing the aperture of said gear with a flat spot to cooperate with the slabbed portion of said gear. The gear 26 abuts against a shoulder on shaft 8 and is held firmly in place adjacent the back of the crosshead by means of a nut 26. The gear 26 is of suit able size and pitch to mesh with the pinion 14- carried by rod 11. Thus, the printingwheel is under control of the operator through themedium of handle 19, red 11. pinion 14;, gear 26 and shaft 8, and can be reciprocated by the spring 24 and pressure applied to the handle, and can also be turned or rotated clockwise and counter-clockwiso by said handle.

Mounted on the base 1, see Figs. 9, and 10, is a die 27 of a very hard material, preferably hardened tool steel, and having its upper face provided with cutting-Hades or ribs 27, arranged diagonally and in parallelism, correspomlingly with the cuttingblades'or ribs of the printing-wheel. The 'ribs of the die 27 and of the wheel 9 are arranged so to alternate with each other,

the Wi l in so (lie 27 Wlll character L wt 3* all shoal; jar, caused by upon the handle, will be 1b out 11ml also avoit s shocks or might be liar nl the Ulfi'ifllk pliant'ilgevheel or its characters, softer metal than the die, blades or ribs to of tlie printing condition. E2;-

ficieney'. (li' s .7 27" by means of s tapped into the aid L 'e and; passing though apertures in lilocl: 2/? ertures being slightly elongate-5,, length oi said blocs, to permit adjustment between Saul block and said the 1 urlpose procuring perfees; reg stratioils between the ribs or blfltles 1 ol the die and the diameters 10. on wheel 9, 1 he block 27 seiill tlz. l in such a manner as] to l we no i whatsoeve but to he crave 1n .al olreet oi there be posed between the bottom oli tli iiortioo of base and said a ou 1* 29" of some elastic material s u: 35 b or the like, to absorb slroel of a blow impose i thereon by cooperation of wh 9 and die 27, A

T mode ofseouring proper cooperation between the min m wheel and (lie andtlie gysti'uoture ll 111g been set forth. the

selecting for characters and words combinations thereof, will now he doserihed. Secured to the face of the frame Figs. 1, a:- and t is an index or face-plate. 30, having (low overall}; projecting lugs 31 Jig with recesses 31 in the base 1 and having bell shaped studs mealits upper erlge 011 i s inner surface, cooyeratlng with spring (leten'ts 33 secured to the frame h crews 34. The method of securing this is to ins-er" the dowm urdly projecting Bertie-es 3 vand th til the balls 32' Cletenls 33. y

35 an instrument, sueh as a knifedisk, into the p of the frame 2 multwistine; turning;- the same, the facec: 7 forced out-Worthy r so 'm'well by overcoming the ction hold lhis prormes a coin elk wai of remorzxr the inceof the (le.

is orevents the paper from being an indicator or p o thereon larger in (1.

width of the slot, zll'fi s at in 7 1g. 5, and herthe inner end eat the plate 30 V 1 1 the indicator M nge' being free to rolve l ncl'also have 1.

" ertioeil motion therein. The re i wlly pro s 7 li. a hole 4-2 :tor slioultlerel Jeyoncl t colt-ion on f .1 ,3) lo the characters on said Wheel *3 and efore, by properly 1 3 l t 30 plecm enemas it oi SwiC pm e n t WOIfi or series characters on said wheel will be brou lit into .VOllGHP positlon bv I 1 volvmg the handle i9 until the indicator 3 points to the proper Word or characters on d plate The characters on the "faceate 30 are preferably numerals correspondng in value with the Word-diameters on the A laracters on plate 30 being enged and correspondingly ely to the characters on the In order to accurately bring the Wl1eelcharacters intoprinting position, the

plate 30 also has indicating spots or (lots l3 po ite each member with which the pointer 35 cooperates. The great difficulty, in this ohsraoter of machine, however, is to set the -rinting characters on the wheel ucourately with reference to the (lie and posi- El and 9, a spring finger e4, pro i with a oupped depression forming a teat l5. i '"l to the ross-heml 6 by a screw 46 oil's b through the base oi said finger and he geinst displacement by abutting a love 1-? sold cross-l out The teat of the finger piece 14; cooperates with conical (lopressions ell? in the hack eml oi the Wheel 9 and, owing to the l viz that such teat. and of no s ips inwrml out of siu-ee" 48 as the wheel 9 is rotated manually. t' ".otl oi? elin will at depth, it l'Cll l ly re Genressiom proper alinement to the die in the base of the machine, as indicated by the ointer; but such resistance as may be oiiere by said spring finger is not great enough to hinder the ready manual rotation of the wheel 9. Instead of this means for producing the results stated, I may employ the means disclosed in my said application. Journaled in the cross-head 6 is a pin or stud 49, Fig. 4, having a conical point 50, accurately fitting the conical depressions 48 in the wheel 9, said pin having-a flange 51 and a reduced extension 52 passing through a plate 53 secured to the cross-head 6, A spring 54:, fitted into a recess 55 of the cross-head, normally holds the pin 49 away from the wheel 9. Secured to a portion 56 of the frame work is a spring 57 of considerable strength, the free end 58 of such spring being in the path of movement of the reduced portion 52 of the pin 49, and acting thereon as acam face, to force the pin 49 into a depressionS of the wheel 9. It is obvious that the conical shaped point of the pin 49, seated in the conical shaped depression 48 of the wheel 9, and held there under the action of the spring 57, will prevent any angular displacement of the wheel 9 with re spect to the die in the base, and that such displacement is not possible except by the employment of great force. Nevertheless,

by any mischance, or through carelessness of the operator, the preliminary centering device is not wholly in one of the conical depressions 48 of the wheel 9 and the point of the pin 49 is not in position to accurately enter a depression 48 in wheel 9, the spring 57 has sufficient power to force said pin into such depression, even though it strikes the outer edge of the wall thereof, thus compelling the wheel to automatically become' accurately set before its chaacter face endie.

()ne of the chief requirements of a machine of this character is that the check or other paper to be printed or marked shall. be accurately fed and guided. To secure equal spacing between words it is necessary either that all the words shall be of the same length, which would ma kc uniform feeding for successive words possible, or, that the amount or the distance which the check or other paper shall be fed, shall vary to compensate for the ,varying lengths of words to be impressed in or on the check or paper. It is a well known principle that anything, when set in motion, has a tendle acies J J 4. ency to keep in motion, and it IS therefore essential that, in a machine of this kind feed a check or other paper placed therein rapidly, true to gage, will compensate for varying lengths of words, and will positively come to a stop when such length of feed has been accomplished.

The feed mechanism, as illustrated in the drawings, comprises essentially a feed roller of frictional material, and an idler roller 60, said idler having trunnions 61 on the ends thereof which fit into suitable recesses in the base 1, and allow said idler to rotate freely therein. The feed-roller 59 is mounted on'a shaft 62, Figs. 5 and 15, carried inarms 63 and ea, journaled on a shaft 65 mounted in the frame 2, by means of hollow screws 66, forming adjustable bearings for said shaft 65. The-roller 59 is rigidly secured on the shaft 62 as is the pinion 67 in any suitable way, said pinion being composed of several thicknesses of sheet metal accurately blanked and mounted on a sleeve which acts as a hub therefor. The pinion 67 meshes with agear 68 fixed to a sleeve 69 and being embraced on either side by fixed ratchet wheels fZG and 71, see- Figs. 15 to 17. The sleeve (59 is revolubly mounted on the enlarged portion 72 of the shaft (35. The gear 8 and its adjacent ratchet wheels 70 and 71 are driven and controlled in the following manner: Securely mounted on an enlarged portion 73 of the shaft 65 is a disk 7 carrying the opposed pawls 70 and 76 pivoted thereto at 77 and 78, respectively, and controlled by" springs 79 and 80 riveted to said disk 7d. Securely mounted on a sleeve 81 on the opposite side of the pinion 68 and ratchet 7i is'another disk 82 carrying opposed pawls 85 and 86, controlled by springs the same as the other disk shown in Fig. 18. Mounted on the same sleeve 81 are gear 88 and a circular plate 84 which, when the pawl carrying disk 82, the gear 83, and the plate 8% are all assembled on the sleeve 81, form a compact and unitary structure. .lVhen the gear 83 is rotated in one direction, the pawl sets 85 and 86 engage in-the teeth of the ratchet wheel 71 and rotate the same, the

gear 68 and the ratchet 70 rotating therewith through the medium of the sleeve 69, the pawl sets and 76 on the disk 74 sliding over the ratchet teeth 70. When the gear 83 is revolved in the opposite directiointhe pawl sets 85 and 86 slide over the inclined faces of the teeth on the ratchet 71 while the pawl sets 75 and 76 engage the teeth on the ratchetTO thus holding said ratchet, the gear 68, and the ratchet 71 against return rotation. The gear 68 being in en- I at its lower limit when the shaft 8 is reach: ing its lower limit, the latter will force the gether with the pawls on disk 82, which slide over ratchet 71; but, owing to the direction of rotation, the gear 68 will remain stationary under control 01 the p'awls 75 and 76,acting on the ratchet 70. When the handie is released and rises under the impulse of'spring 2%, raising with it the cross-head 6 and shaft 8 and the controlling feed-cam 115, one of the rests 117 will engage with the nose 112 of the dog 102, carrying said dog and all attached parts upwardly for a distance corresponding to that of said rest 117 from the center of the shaft 8. This action will cause the rotation of the gear 83 through a corresponding arc, and the pawls 85 and 86, acting on the ratchet wheel 71,

will revolve the gear 68 through a corre-v sponding arc, said gear in turn revolving the gear 67 attached to the shaft 62 and the feed roller 59 attached to the same shaft through a proportional arc. Thus, it will be seen that the amount of feed is automatically controlled by the cam-plate 115.

It should be understood that the springs 92 normally tend to hold shaft 8 and slide 95 in cooperative relation. Hence, when the-plunger is driven downwardly, the shaft 8, operating upon plate 89, will cause the springs 92 to drive the slide 95 downwardly under yielding pressure. If there is an tendency on the part of the slide to reboum it will be overcome by said springs 92, which will retain said slide; but, if the slide is not rack-bar will operate to rotate the feed roller 59 as described. When the shaft 8 and plunger reach their upper limit, thereis a clearance left between the shaft and upper end oi slot 96, which is necessary to enable the slide 95 to resume its normal position shown in Fig. 6, when the controller-cam is turned for a new feed position corresponding to the successive character, on wheel 9, which is turned to operative position. it will now be understood that the return stroke of the plunger and bodil moving cam 115 is not, as a whole, a feecstroke, since the can], even when its greatest radial rest is in position, for function, has a movement downwardly more than su1licicnt to cause said rest to clear the toe 112, which is turned to be in operative line therewith on the return stroke of the cam} Hence, the cam will move upwardly a proportional distance before engaging the toe 112, this last motion of the feed-slide being allowed and necessary to insure clearance of the character on the printing-wheel from the check, after an impression has been made. This also enables uniform. andregular spacing to be produced between impressions, regardless of the length of the latter.

It should now be noted that the dog 102 is capable of movement, in opposite directions around its supporting stud, under 0011-. trol of the spring 108, the arms 109 of which tend to return the dog to its normal cooperative position relatively to the controller-cam 115 and hold the same in such position. Consequently, when the cam 115 rises, as above explained, one of its rests 117 will always engage the toe 112 of said dog, causing the latter, through stud-plate 103. and connected parts, to lift the slide 95' and cause it, as described, to produce the proportional feed of roller 59. After the feed-movement thus produced, the cam 115 will be turned, with the printing-wheel, for a'successive feed action. lVhen thus turned, the cam will turn the dog 102, by en age,- ment of a higher rest 1'17 thereof with the toe 112, thus releasing the slide and permitting the springs 9210 move the latter downwardly until the upper end of slot 96 engages the shaft 8. Clhe parts are now in position for a successive operation}- but, the dog ()2 is being held from nor mal position because its toe,112 is-engaged with the'baclr of the 10:11: 1,115. Wheh the latter is again]driven dowtnwardly by the plunger for a newprinting strolreoi the wheel 9, the cam passes the toe 112 which is at once returned to normal positiorn. by one or the other of spring-arms 109, ii1the its path of operation of the cain 115'. If the 5 successive character to be'printed is ofthe samelength as the one just printed and the corresponding cam-rest 1S a'merged one,

as 115*.01" 115, the toe 112 may not he turned out of cooperative position, but may slide from one to the other, so that said toe will remain in normal p0S1i31011 fiI1d 3 W&1l7

the return of the cam 115 from itsilower position after the printing stroke. "This action, of course, will dependentirely on how the operator manipulates the machine. J

The mechanism employed for stopping or positively arresting the feed-wheel at the proper instant comprises a lever arm 118, Figs. Sand 15, fulcrumed'on the shaft 65 next to arm 63, an d having at one extremity a brake-segment 119,1having they same-conformation as the periphery ofthe feed wheel. At its opposite end lever 118 is pivoted at 120, to the lower endof a link- 121, having in an ofiset portion a slot 122 for the reception of a pivot 123 secured to an ear or lug 124 carried by the cross-head 6. When the cross-head 1s in its upper po- Lest me per end 61 the ele w .1 manner es to exeriq an upv e-rd pull en the pivot 12:0 em? cause the brake 119 to press firmly on "the feecimil 59 50 hold the same against mi e-tiara, As the brake-lever is proper- Iiioned and mounted, the tendency is for the brake 119 to neimally rest upon the feecl-reller and time prevent the same from having movement during the downward meve1nent,'and ineil'ectiye sibi'eke of the reckber $9; but, this is not essential as the link 121 can be so pro iortioned in balance the brake-lever flfi'd iield the brake 119 suspended normally free from the roller 59. This will be understood upon viewing The esseni-iel. feature of, and i111- porten't epei'etien resulting from, this SU! cure that, when the plunger and crossheiul are at the upper extreme position. the brake 119 will be firmly applied to hold the roller 59 positively againstmovement. and

when said. parts are at iileir lower ex'u 330; men, the brake Wlli be positively lined and held l'lem engagement .Yiili the feed Pollen lnizei'meiliai pin'123 iimy be ueiiized, if iiESil'Oil. by we :ating: .i'z'ictien between said pin and link 1' I to cause the pin in moving down in eligh-eiy lift the lmkmeml in moving; up w muse ilie brak s tozip- 15 slightli'lPiiOh to the wax-(l i'iwvement t q and he i e l 0i F i i i'eicii is (low i Wynn L 0;; i. i n 1 1.11m 1 Alb ems.) mm A l lemme 51m. the lire-35131;; m s y) )gnng' oi the iced. mile! tnicee place positively iii Kim-ti}; at the ms'umt, reqmied. Th in Rupert-tint lee "im'e (ii my mvenhen pends. in great mii a minimum by me wit 1e mime p01 en, a we H i elm words or ;n'map of (-1 :mu'ters Hi'fiIllDQl of impressed 1M0 Hie viievli. it i. e iiml; the died; in other pzipei'. the (Pi kie-e Eiililll ie ml? iuiely sting have neniei'it 0 time 01 sen cheek. lei tine puigme pie; gzjng 'e and veiipemtmg: pa

Du! are pim'iileii,consisting (if a p a i i ipieil to slide in i being in:

i iiic imw l.

wide with 2. heel; i'OFZll P-G i also being p1 uptumed guii positions 01 the pireh on the horizontal being adapted tc i3?) of 1 support 1 Living apertures er opposite sides 20 receive the 129 en lljil said suppeit is free be swing veiiically Lil-ll slide lengitudinally. The gege-fiimges L2 5 132 are in e1inemeiie and movements 0i port L33 and the gage-plate are preduceil getliei as to enable the line on the cheek, along which the prinei 9; is to be leerto be 5e :iccu 'etel relatively to the ch on il'ie printingm'lwei which a (-essively impressed. This the supporting: and ei'elice to the l ilfliililll1fil center or at EH'EQY 0n ilie pi'in 1 fi1 }l when said mics line been {nine-ti to p ..ll!l" posiien, and said center of the priiiimggg-cii for gut ling a wi in pruwer .m

k iruug ii the machine,

the pesition obtained will be li-elQ by the frictienai device 'ensisting of plate l2" secured to upturned {in i323, emd plate iiunn iezii'iii V of eiizipwi i i {0 held 1L 2 egnuis'a p 11;;- e: whe i liming 'tlie se 3e preeime the pi-epei" pi'lnlllii he incl iii l pezizuit to meant fealmoi'emen zs, as :0 cause the p pressed in a This is ace-0111p ing the feeilq-e ii.

Therein the idie pm aided eiiii 13-i- Weicb e0- resilient material, the same being rigidly secured at 135" to the inner back-plate 1.01, by upturned flanges 135*, see Figs. 9 and 10, in such position as to provide a clear passage thereunder for the check us it is guided to position over the support 133. The strip} )erplato is provided with two for-- wardly extending, upturned spring toes a, which protrude leyond the face-plate 30, Figs. 1 and 4:,and prevent the check from engaging said face-plate. as it is being ente ed into the machine, and also prevents 's filigree-plate interfering with the proper feed check. The stripper-plate provided with slot 4" for the passage of the printingwheel into cooperation with the die, and with an aperture w tor the passage of the feed-roller into cooperation with the conical portion 134. oi the idler 60. .in aperture (1. also permits the passage of the lower end of the slide into engagement with the base 1. At its opposite sides the stripper-plate may he upturned as at a, so as to create no drag upon the check. The resiliency of the plate 135 permits the same to yield when portions of the printingwheel contiguous to the placed character engage it, and as the wheel recedes, with the check tending to cling to it by reason of the slits out therein, the stripper plate holds said check down upon the base and in pro er position.

T he feed-roller 59 is normally at rest upon the idler, as shown in Fi 11, and must be raised for the insertion of a check to its initial position. For this purpose snaft-carrying arm 64: is extended back .wardly as at 136, Figs. 3 to 5, Where it engages with a lever- 137, Figs. 4 and 10, pivoted to the inner back-plate 101, at 138 and terminating at its free end in a thumbpiece 139. Said backwardly extending portion 136 of the arm 64 is acted upon by one end of the spring 140 coiled about a. sleeve 14H carried by. the shaft 65, the other end of which spring abuts on the lug 5'6 forniing a part of the frame 2 of the device. The action of this spring is to force the bacle wardly extending portion 136 of the arm 6% in an upwardly direction and, consequently, to 'l orce'the shaft 65 with its feed roll in a downwardly direction; The feed-roll, in order to properly perform its feeding function, should have a normal predetermined pressure upon the idler roll, and spring 1&0 is selected and coiled with a view to producing such tension which is sutlicient to cause a positive feed of the check and to prevent the latter from slipping under ordinary con- .ditions of use and operation. The

lifting-lever 1 offset near its pivoted end and extends within a slot 13?, Figs. d and 9, to the, outside of the frame. the top and bottom walls of said slot a ti'ording stops for the movements of the lever, which latter feed mamas normally rests upon the arm-extension 136 near said top, wall. The lower wall limits the downward morementoi said lever and upward movement or said feed-roll.

It is important, in machines of this character, to properly and uniformly ink the characters on the printing-wheel, and one of the great dilliculties has been that the inle ing'rolls become stuck on their shafts or pivots. thus presenting the same portion of the rolls to the characters at all times. This has caused a fiat spot to become worn on the inking rolls and also the enhaustioh of the supply of ink at the spot, resulting in insui'licient inking and also in smearing the chancters. Good impressions could not, therefore, be obtained and parts of the impression would be found to be heavier than others. To overcome these faults and dithculties, I have devised means as shown in Figs. 2, 9, 12 and 13 wherein inking rolls H2 are composed. of a soft, yielding and compressible substance or material capable of alisorbing the ink and yielding it to the printing characters. These rollers are so mounted and held forcibly, but yieldingly, against the printing-Wheel to eventually have worn therein ribs. or raised portions 148 separated by depressions or grooves,

both extendin longitudinally of the rolls.

That is to say, it has been found that after the machine has been in use for some time, the ribs and grooves willbe produced in the circumference of the rolls and that prior thereto the yielding character of the roll material enables the same to adhere or cling to the printing-wheel in such manner as to cause the positive rotation of the rollers without any relative or independent movement thereof. This action, after continued use, becomes more positive as the ribs and grooves become more prominent. For the sake of illustration, this feature has been magnified in the drawings, Figs. 2, s and F.

. The inking rollers are mounted on pins 14%,

carried by arms 14': pivoted to the cross head 6 by means of screws 1456, these arms being connected by a spring 147 secured to ears 148 on said arms 14-5, the tendency of said spring being to constantly hold the rollers 142 forcibly but resiliently engaged with the printing-Wheel 9. The inking rollers are easily and quickly removed by inserting a pencil, or some other slender instrument,

' O remove the plate 152,

ee /pee 5 1 I p J. quired amount of traction upon the printingwheel. This 1SLCCOI1Yl})l1Sl1Cl by forming ency to independent movement of the inking rollers, and also decrease tendency to overthrow in manipulating the printing-wheel. Uniform and sutlicient inking are accomplished by my construction. I

To the bottom of the basel is secured a plate 150 by means of screws attached to feet 151. These feet 151 are, preferably, made of rubber or some other soft material so as to deaden the sound of operation and avoid 'marring or scratching the desk or table upon which the machine is placed; and an'outer back-plate 152 may be secured to the inner back-plate 101, as a covering for the slotsand apertures in the latter, said plate 152 having a plurality of headed studs 153, adapted to ente corresponding keyhole slots 15% in the plate 101, the letter also having, near its top edge; an outwardly projecting teat 155 which cooperates with a de pression 156 in the plate 152. lVhen all the parts of the machine have been properly put together, the back-plate 152 is applied by entering the studs 153 into the hole-parts of the slots and then lifting said plate until the teat snaps into the depression 156. e knife-blade or sharp tool should be inserted between the two plates beside the teat and downward pressure exerted on plate own now he seen a rea lily under-- stood that l have promos it s finite space is practice ly possilfe, a coinbination of means and mechanisms by which accurate and proper check writing can be accomplished; and by which the writing of the check is protected and prevented from being altered or tampered with in any way. The movement all the parts is accomplishcd i: the most simple manner through the med' a prime mover or plunger in ooopereu o vh a returning or expansible spring. parts are so arranged as to produce a compact, strong and comparatively simplemechanism which is effective, easily repaired, easily assembled and easily gotten at for inspection; and, on important feature of in ion is the arrangement of the F .hng cam on the some w ting-wheel, and the two capable o3. oeing simultaneously manipulated =y rotation of the pli rigor. Compect ness and strength secured by having a single short shaft carrying the printingwheel-controlling cum and various other parts, which sh n-rt in turn carried by the he 148 on slides 148 secured to the increase of tension will decrease any tend-- cross-head with its longitudinal axis in he same vertical plane with the longitudinal axis of the plunger, though the plunger and he shaft are arranged at a right angle to each other. Further strength is attained by so constructing the cross-head as to be j tical movements. By so disposing the parts of the machines just mentioned, ample room is given in the lower portion of the machineframe for the feeding and braking mechanism, as wel. as the stripper plate and inking-rollers. This compact arrangement of arts-I consider an important feature of my invention and lay stress upon the some at this point with a view to laying claim thereto.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a check writer, a printing wneel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing wheel, a feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the some mechanism actuated by the cross head or giving a feeding movement to said feeding-device. and a controlling cam associated with the printing wheel for determining the extent of movement imparted to the feeding device.

In a check writer. a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carryiru said printing wheel. n feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same; mechanism, actuated by the cross head for giving a feeding movement to said feeding device, a controlling cam associated with the printing wheel. for determining the extent of movement imparted to the feeding device, and means whereby said feeding device may be raised from the check for ermittin'g a free movement of the check for entering or withdrawing the same.

3. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying. said printing wheel, a feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same. mechanism actuated by the cross head ing the printing wheel and the controlling I cam associated therewith.

.4. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross heed carrying said printing wheel, a feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the some, mechanism actu. d the cross head printing for giving a feeding inoveinentto said feeding devices, a controlling cam associated with the printing wheel for determining the extent of movement imparted to the feeding device, a spring for normally raising said cross head, and means accessible to the operator whereby said cross head may be moved downwardly against the tension ofv said spring.

.5. In a check writer, a printing Wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said the upper face .of the check for feeding the same, mechanism actuated by the cross head for giving a feedin movement to said feeding devices, a control ing cam associated with the printing wheel for determining the extent of movement imparted'to the feedin deviee,.a plunger i'otat'ably connected to sm cross head for moving the cross head downwardly, a spring for raising thecross head,

and means operated by the plunger inthe rotation thereof for shifting the printing wheel and the associated controlling cam.

6'. In a. check writer, a'printing Wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing wheel, a feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same, mechanism actuated by the cross head for giving a ing devices, a controlling cam associated ith the printing wheel for determining the extent of movement imparted to the feeding device, a plunger rotatably connected to said cross head for moving the cross head downwardly, spring for raising the cross J n a c printing wheel, a feeding device en gaging face of the check for feeding the the upper same, a reciprocating member for giving feed movements to said feeding device, means for moving the cross head downwardly for causing the printing wheel to print the check, means operating with the .cross head for moving said reciprocating member to a predetermined fixed point, and means operating upon the upward movement of the cross head for moviin said reciprocating member to an extent controlled by the length of a word being printed for imparting the feeding movements to said feeding device.

8. in a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head-carrying said printing wheel, a feeding device engaging feeding the the upper face of the check for same, a reciprocating member for actuating wheel, a feeding device engagingfeeding movement to said feedsaid feeding device, yielding means for nine ing said reciprocating member to a fixed point during the downward movement of the cross head, and positive means actuated by the cross head for moving said reciprocating member fo imparting the feeding movements to said feeding device.

9. In a'check writer, a printing wheel, a

.verticall-y movable crossliead carrying said .printmgwheel, a feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same, a reciprocating member for actuating said feeding device, yielding means for moving said reciprocating member to a fixed point during the downward movement of the cross head, and positive meansactuated by the cross head for moving said reciprocating member for imparting the feeding movements 't'o-said feeding device, said last-named means including a controlling cam associated with the printing wheel and detcrmin .ing the cxtentzof movement of the feeding device. 10. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing wheel, a feeding device engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same, a reciprocating member, for actuating tlie feeding device, a controlling cam con nect'ed to the printing wheel and movable up and down with the cross head. a yielding dog carried. by the reciprocating member and overlying the controlling cam, springs for yieldiiigly pressing said reciprocating member in a downward direction, said reciprocating member being moved by the controlling cam tl' rough the engagement thereof with the dog for imparting the 'feei'ling movements tothe feeding device.

11. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head, a shaft mounted in the cross head and carrying said printing wheel, a controlling cam fixed to'said shaft, a feeding device for engaging the upper face of the check, a reciprocating member for actuating the feeding device,

springs for nornmlly forcing said reciprocating member downwardly, a yielding dog carried by said reciprocating member and overlying said controlling cam, whereby Saidcontrolling cam in the upward movements of the cross head engages the reciprocatingmember and operates the feeding devices.

E2. in a chcclg writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head, mounted in the cross head and carrying said printing wheel, a controlling cam fixed to said shaft, a feeding device for engaging theupper face of the check, a reciprocating member for actuating the feeding device, springs for normally forcing said reciprocating member downwardly, a yielding dog carried by saidreciprocating'member and overlying saidionirolling cam whereby said a shaft the shaft, and means for holding said pointer in'apredetermined position relative to the shaft? c 13. In a check writer. a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said I printing wheel, a rotating feed roller, a reclprocating member, a ratchet mechanism intermediam said reciprocating member and said feed roller, whereby movements of said reciprocating member in one direction im- 'partffeed movements to said feed roller,

mechanism actuated by the cross head for imparting movements to said reciprocating member, and a controlling cam associated with said printing wheel for determining the extent of movement of said reciprocating member.-

printing whee'lfd 14; In a, check writena printing wheel, a verticallymovable cross head carrying-said printing wheel, a rotating feed roller, a reciprocating member, a ratchet mechanism intermediate said reciprocating member, and said feed roller, whereby movements of said reciprocating member in one direction 'impart feed movements to said feed roller, mechanism actuated by the cross head for imparting movements to said reciprocalting member, a controllmg cam associated vt'ith said printing wheel for determining the extent of movement of said reciprocating inember, and a brake controlled by the movements of the cross head for preventing overthrow movements of said feed roller.

1 5. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head, carrying said rotating feed roller, :1 reciprocating member, a ratchet mechanism intermediate said reciprocating member and said feedroller, whereby movements of said reciprocating mem'ber in one direction impart feed movements to said teed roller, mechanism actuated by the cross head for imparting movements to said reciprocating member, a controlling cam associated with said printing wheel for determining the extent of movement of said reciprocating memgir, a plunger rotatably connected to the cross head for moving the same downwardly, a spring for raising the cross head.

. and means actuated by the rotation of the and controlling cam.

16f In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing wheel, a rotating feedroller engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the -same, a vertically reciprocating member, a' ratchet mechanism disposed be- )lun er for )ositionin the irintin wheel carried by saidreciprocating controlling cam associated with theprinting tween said vertically reciprocating member and said feed roller whereby the upward movements of said reciprocating member only impart movements to the feed roller, and means carried by the cross head for imparting an upward movement to said reciprocating member corresponding to the length of the word being printed.

17. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing .avheel, a rotating feed roller en gaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same, a vertically reciprocating member, a ratchet mechanism disposed 1vtween said vertically reciprocating memb r and said feed roller whereby the upward movements of said reciprocating member only impartmovements to the feed roller, :1- spring for normally depressing said vertically reciprocating member, a yielding dog carried by said reciprocating member, a controlling cam associated with the printing Wheel and carried by the cross head and underlying said dog whereby the upward movements of the cross head cause the controlling cam to raise the reciprocating memher a distance corresponding to the word being printed. U

18, In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing Wheel, a rotating feed roller engaging the upper face of the check for feeding the same, a. vertically reciprocating member, a ratchet mechanism disposed between said vertically reciprocating member and. said feed roller whereby the upward movements of said reciprocating member only impart movements tothe feed roller, a. spring for normally depressing said vertically reciprocating member, a yielding dog member, a

wheel and carried by the cross head and .underlying said dog whereby the upward movements of the cross head cause the controlling cam to raise the reciprocating memher, a distance corresponding to the word being printed, a brake for engaging the feed roller, and means actuated by the upward movement of the cross head for applying the brake just as the cross head reaches the upper extreme of its movement.

19. In a check writer, a printing wheel, a vertically movable cross head carrying said printing wheel, a rotating feed roller engaging the upper face ofthe check for feeding the same, a vertically reciprocating member, a ratchet mechanism disposed between said vertically reciprocating member and said feed roller whereby th movements of said reciprocating member only impart movements to the feed roller, a spring for normally depressing said vertically reciprocating member, a yielding dog carried by said reciprocating member, a

upward 

